Preparing for Your Digestive Health Procedure

New Jersey Gastroenterology Services

Many diagnostic and treatment procedures for digestive health issues require some preparation by the patient. A doctor or nurse should go over what’s expected of you long before your scheduled appointment, but in case you need a refresher we have compiled this brief preparation guide for your convenience.

Below, you will find general information on what to do before your procedure and what to expect during recovery. Keep in mind that these steps are broadly applied to many gastroenterology procedures, and specific information regarding your preparation may be slightly different. Never hesitate to contact your doctor if you have questions.

Before Your Procedure

In most cases, you will need to begin prepping for your digestive health procedure one to two days before your scheduled appointment. During this time, be aware of any changes or abnormalities in your physical condition. A persistent cough or a sore throat could impact the procedure and you should contact your physician as soon as possible.

If you take any medications, blood thinners or herbal supplements, you will need to check with your doctor to ensure it is safe to continue taking these as your appointment date grows closer. Blood testing may be required before the procedure, which will be arranged by your physician.

In the event that your insurance provider will not cover the costs of the bill, one of our financial advisors will contact you to make necessary arrangements.

The night before and day of your procedure:

• Do not apply any lotion or skin products.
• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight, including water, mints and gum. Small sips of water to take medication are okay if the doctor has told you it is safe to take said medication before the procedure.
• Bathe the night before the procedure or early the next morning.
• Do not wear any makeup.
• Do not bring any valuables to the hospital with you, including jewelry or cash. We cannot guarantee their security.
• If you are receiving a sedative, you will need someone to drive you home after the procedure. We also recommend that someone stay with you for 24 hours afterward to help you while you recover.

Remember that different procedures may require more specific preparations. The above are general preparation guidelines for digestive health procedures, but your doctor’s instructions may be slightly different. Contact your doctor if there are any details you are unclear on. Failing to prepare properly could result in your procedure being canceled.

The Day of Your Procedure

What to Expect When you Arrive

When you arrive for your gastroenterology procedure, a member of our staff will show you to the appropriate waiting area. Please arrive one hour before your procedure is scheduled so that you can fill out any necessary paperwork.

Some things to keep in mind as you prepare for your arrival:

• We are not responsible for damaged or lost property. Please leave valuables at home.
• Patients under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
• If you wear glasses or contacts, bring a case to for their safekeeping. We provide containers for removable dentures and bridgework.
• You may wear hearing aids during the procedure.
• Arrive at the hospital with your ID, insurance cards, and registration forms.
• If you use an inhaler, bring it with you.
• Diabetic patients must bring their own insulin and oral diabetic agents
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing that provides your body with breathing room.

In-Hospital Preparations

You will be provided with a patient gown, robe, slippers, and bag to store your clothing. A nurse will check your temperature, blood pressure, pulse and ask you to empty your bladder. We will review your medical history once more before having you sign a consent form for the procedure and receiving anesthesia, if applicable.

If you are receiving anesthesia, an anesthesiologist will speak with you before you are sedated to confirm you made the proper preparations. It is important to provide honest answers to our questions, even if you think you may have done something you shouldn’t have. A procedure can always be rescheduled.

After Your Gastroenterology Procedure

Our Guide to Making a Full Recovery

After your procedure, you will be taken to the first stage recovery area where you will be monitored for approximately 30 minutes or longer, depending on the type and length of your procedure and anesthesia. As the anesthesia wears off, you will be transferred to a second stage recovery area where you will be joined by the family member or friend who will drive you home.

For safety reasons, if a patient was sedated during their procedure we do not allow them to leave the hospital on their own. It is unsafe to operate a vehicle for 24 hours after receiving anesthesia, so you will need someone to drive you home once you are discharged. We also recommend someone stay with you overnight to help around the house while you recover.

Recovering from Home

A nurse or physician should provide you with written instructions on how to continue your recovery at home. If you do not receive anything like this, ask someone before you leave or have someone call the hospital when you get home. During discharge, we may schedule a follow-up appointment to check how you are doing and further discuss the results of the procedure.

What to expect after the procedure:

• You will need to follow a temporary diet for 24 hours after the procedure
• You may feel dizzy, drowsy or light head for several hours
• It is dangerous to drive a vehicle or operate machinery for 24 hours after receiving anesthetic
• You should not make any important or significant decisions for 24 hours after receiving anesthetic
• Do not drink or smoke for 24 hours
• A nurse will call you with a follow-up the day after your procedure

Contact us immediately if you experience anything beyond the intended side effects of your procedure. If you cannot reach a physician, please visit the nearest emergency room.

Additional Instructions for Endoscopic Procedures

Preparing for Colonoscopy, Gastroscopy & Other Endoscopic Procedures

Most patients undergoing an endoscopic procedure will receive a sedative and need to take a few extra steps in preparation. Your physician should provide you with instructions on how to prepare. If you’re worried about remembering everything, ask them to write it down for you.

The day before your procedure, if you feel something has happened that will jeopardize your procedure, call your physician immediately, even if it is after office hours. It is extremely important that they are made aware of any factors that could impact or complicate the impending procedure.

Keep the following in mind when preparing for an endoscopic procedure:

• If you are a diabetic and are having a colonoscopy, please contact your physician for instructions on how much insulin you should take on your bowel preparation day and your procedure day.
• You can brush your teeth the day of your procedure, but remember not to swallow anything, including water.
• If your exam is scheduled for the afternoon, your physician may permit a clear liquid breakfast. This might include water, cranberry juice, apple juice, clear broth and tea. Please check with your physician before having any liquids
• You should plan on remaining at home and resting for 24 hours after the procedure.
• Most procedures last anywhere between thirty minutes to two hours, but you should expect to spend at least three hours at the hospital or clinic.
• Someone will need to drive you home afterwards. For safety reasons, we do not permit patients to leave by themselves.